Infant changing pad

ABSTRACT

An infant or toddler changing device, including a compressible foam support pad having a non-removable, cleansable cover, and a harness removably secured thereto. The harness has two shoulder straps and a waist strap. The harness may feature a primary fastener or connector having multiple female sockets for male connectors on the shoulder straps and the waist strap. Length of one or more of the straps may be adjusted, allowing the device to be used as the infant grows.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of infant, toddleror child care. More specifically, the invention relates to apparatus forsupporting and securing an infant, toddler or baby while changing theinfant's clothes or diaper, or simply for securing an infant, toddler orbaby while the child's parent or sibling performs a task.

2. Background Art

It is frequently desired or needed to change an infant, toddler, orbaby's clothes or diaper, or otherwise secure an infant in a safe yetcomfortable device.

There are of course many known devices in the patent literature and onthe Internet for this purpose, however, these typically fall into twocategories: very complicated, and therefore expensive devices; andinexpensive devices that either secure an infant's shoulders or waist,but not both shoulders and waist. Some in both categories includefeatures that, while functional for their intended purpose, neverthelesseither make the device difficult for the adult or other caretaker, oruncomfortable for the infant.

The need remains for a reasonably priced infant changing apparatus toefficiently and safely change a baby or infant's clothes or diaper, ormerely to secure the infant while a caretaker attends to a task. Thereis a particular need for such devices that may be easily cleaned, andthat may attach to permanent support structures, such as may be found inpublic restrooms. Furthermore, there is a need for such devices that maybe adjusted for use as a child grows from a baby or infant to atoddler-sized child.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, infant changing devices arepresented which reduce or overcome one or more of the problemsidentified above.

A first aspect of the disclosure is an infant or toddler changing devicecomprising:

a) a compressible foam support pad comprising a foam pad and anon-removable, cleansable cover, the cover forming a front surface, aback surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and two longer sidesurfaces of the device, the device having length and width sufficient tosupport infants of varying size as they grow;

b) optionally a cardboard or corrugated cardboard layer positionedbetween the support pad and the cover back surface; and

c) a harness removably secured to the compressible foam support pad andcover, the harness comprising:

-   -   i) a primary coupling member;    -   ii) a transverse strap having first and second ends; and    -   iii) first and second shoulder straps, each having at least one        length adjustment feature; and

wherein the transverse strap is positioned around the compressible foamsupport pad and cover such that its first and second ends are at leastremovably secured to the primary coupling member, the transverse straphaving at least one length adjustment member; and

wherein each shoulder strap lower end is at least removably secured tothe primary coupling member, and each shoulder strap upper end is atleast removably secured to the compressible foam support pad and cover.

A second aspect of the disclosure is an infant or toddler changingdevice comprising:

a) a compressible foam support pad comprising a foam pad and anon-removable, cleansable cover, the cover forming a front surface, aback surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and two longer sidesurfaces of the device, the device having length and width sufficient tosupport infants of varying size as they grow;

b) optionally a cardboard or corrugated cardboard layer positionedbetween the support pad and the cover back surface; and

-   -   c) a harness removably secured to the compressible foam support        pad and cover, the harness comprising:        -   i) a molded or machined primary coupling member having            multiple sockets;        -   ii) a transverse strap having first and second ends; and        -   iii) first and second shoulder straps, each having a            tri-glide length adjustment member; and

wherein the transverse strap is positioned around the compressible foamsupport pad and cover such that its first and second ends are removablysecured to the primary coupling member using male connectors fittinginto two of the sockets, the transverse strap having at least onetri-glide length adjustment member;

wherein each shoulder strap lower end is removably secured to theprimary coupling member using male connectors fitting into two othersockets, and each shoulder strap upper end passes through respectiveslots in the compressible foam support pad and cover and anchored to theback of compressible foam support pad and cover, the compressible foamsupport pad and cover including at least one other slot for eachshoulder strap; and

wherein the front surface of the compressible foam support pad iscontoured to form a concave depression and a sill defined at least by atop edge of the two sides.

A third aspect of the disclosure is an infant or toddler changing devicecomprising:

a) a compressible foam support pad comprising a foam pad and anon-removable, cleansable cover, the cover forming a front surface, aback surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and two longer sidesurfaces of the device, the device having length and width sufficient tosupport infants of varying size as they grow;

b) optionally a cardboard or corrugated cardboard layer positionedbetween the support pad and the cover back surface; and

c) a single transverse strap having a first end threaded through a firsttransverse coupling member, the first end folded back on itself andsecured to itself at a location adjacent the first end, the strap havinga length allowing it to be positioned around the back surface of thesupport pad and cover so that a second end of the strap is threadedthrough a second transverse coupling member and releasably attachedthereto, the first and second transverse coupling members beingreleasably connectable to form a transverse coupling, each of the firstand second transverse coupling members further comprising a firstshoulder strap coupling member; and

d) first and second shoulder straps each having an upper end releasablyconnected to the support pad and cover at separate locations away fromthe side surfaces and each generally about two-thirds of the length ofthe support measured from the bottom surface, and each of the first andsecond shoulder straps having lower ends releasably connectable torespective second shoulder strap coupling members, each of the secondshoulder strap coupling members releasably connectable to one of thefirst shoulder strap coupling members.

The harness itself, without the compressible foam support pad, cover,and optional cardboard is another aspect of the disclosure since theharness is removable, and therefore can be used with other infantchanging devices of same or similar design. Further aspects andadvantages of the devices of this disclosure will become apparent byreviewing the description of preferred embodiments that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view, with some components partiallyin phantom, of one device embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic frontal or plan view of the embodiment in FIG. 1,with shoulder straps illustrated detached from the primary fastener, andillustrated in phantom attached to the primary fastener;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic right and left side elevation views,respectively, of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic back view of the embodiment in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic perspective views, partially in phantom,of two harness embodiments;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic perspective views, partially exploded andpartially in phantom, of two primary fastener embodiments;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are schematic cross-sectional views of three padembodiments; and

FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic perspective views, partially in phantom, oftwo other device embodiments in accordance with this disclosure.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings are schematic innature, may not be to scale, and illustrate only typical embodiments ofthis disclosure. They are therefore not to be considered limiting of thefull scope of this disclosure, for the disclosure is intended to coverother equally effective embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As mentioned, the present disclosure relates generally to apparatus ordevices for infant or toddler childcare including a compressible foamsupport pad and a harness. More specifically, the invention relates toapparatus that may be used for supporting and securing an infant or babywhile changing the infant's clothes or diaper, or simply for securing aninfant while the child's parent or sibling performs a task. The harnessof the device is an important feature, in particular its variousembodiments allowing the harness to be completely removed from thesupport pad, or only the shoulder straps to be removed, and use made ofthe support pad and waist strap only. This is important as the childgrows, avoiding the need to purchase an entirely new, larger device. Theremovable harness also allows the harness to be used with other supportpads, for example in public restrooms, or allows the support pad to beused with other harnesses.

The terms or phrases “primary fastener” and “primary coupling member”are used interchangeably herein and refer to the substantially centralattachment component of the harness where all of the shoulder straps andthe waist straps converge and at least one, and in certain embodimentsall straps are releasably connected. In certain embodiments, the primaryfastener may comprise a first transverse coupling member comprising afemale socket releasably connectable with a mating male portion of asecond transverse coupling member. In other embodiments the primaryfastener may be a one-piece molded or machined component having multiplesockets and/or retaining members, such as molded-in or machinedfeatures, as illustrated herein.

The term “transverse”, when referring to straps and couplings of theharness, includes laying, or being set crosswise at right angles to thelong axis of the support, but is not limited to straps and couplingsstrictly being at such right angles. For example, a transverse strap maybe plus or minus up to 45 degrees from such right angles.

The term “coupling” when used alone or in the phrase “coupling member”means fastening by snaps, latches, clasps, hook and loop fasteners,buttons, buckles, quick connect/disconnect plastic buckles having matingmale and female parts, and the like. The primary fastener of the harnessmay include multiple coupling members.

The terms “releasably connected” and “releasably connectable” mean thefeature or component in question may be fastened temporarily to a matingor matching member or component, upon the desire of the user. A morepermanent connection, such as stitching, permanent adhesive, ormolded-in feature would not be considered releasable in the context ofthe present disclosure.

The term “compressible”, as that term is used herein when referring tothe compressible foam support pad, means the compressible foam supportpad may have a compression rating of 45 lbs. or less (as discussedherein), more preferably the IFD25 compression rating may range from aslow as 7 lbs. of force (IFD25) to as high as 45 lbs. of force (IFD25),or have an IFD25 range from 7 to 35 lbs., or from 7 to 33 lbs., or from10 to 33 lbs. The phrase “compressible foam support pad” includes anon-removable, cleansable cover as described herein on at least thefront of the foam pad.

The term “foam” means any foam, including cellular and non-cellularfoams, and includes the plural, for example when two or more foam layersmay be laid upon one another or adhered together to form a foam article.Cellular foams may be open-cell, closed-cell, or combinations thereof.For example, a major portion of the foam may be open-cell within asingle layer, and a minor portion of the foam maybe closed-cell withinthe same layer. In other embodiments, one layer may be closed-cell,while another layer may be open-cell, or non-cellular.

In certain embodiments, the compressible foam support pad may comprisefoam selected from the group consisting of foamed polystyrene, foamedpolyurethane, foamed polyolefin, and a foamed mixture comprisingpolyvinyl chloride and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. In certainembodiments, the compressible foam support pad may have a maximum waterabsorption of 0.1 lb/ft². In certain embodiments, the front surface ofthe compressible foam support pad may be contoured to form a concavedepression and a sill. The sill may be around some or all of the concavedepression. In certain embodiments, the foam pad may be shaped byemploying separate pieces of foam padding adhered together, for example,using a single rectangular piece as a base and one, two, or more shapedpieces adhered with an adhesive thereto.

In certain embodiments, the compressible foam support pad comprises anon-removable, cleansable cover secured around the foam pad. Thenon-removable, cleansable cover is not adhered to the foam pad, but isheld by stitching around certain edges, as further explained herein. Todistinguish this non-removable cover from optional removable, washablecovers also discussed herein, this cover will be referred to as the“non-removable, cleansable cover.” The terms “cleansable” and “washable”are differentiated only by the fact that cleansable covers cannot beremoved, and are therefore not washable in a washing machine. Thenon-removable, cleansable cover may be any material that can be easilywiped down with a damp cloth with or without a cleaning solution, suchas laminated cotton and lightweight vinyl, or other material that issafe for use with infants and toddlers. In certain embodiments the coverfor the back portion of the pad may be different material from thatcovering the front, two major sides, top, and bottom. For example, thecover for the back of the device may be vinyl, or a anti-skid material,while the cover for the front, two major sides, top and bottom may belaminated cotton fabric. To be safe for infants and toddlers thematerial typically must be PVC-free, BPA-free (“BPA” refers tobis-phenol A), lead-free, phthalates-free, and CPSIA compliant. “CPSIA”refers to the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act of 2008. Examplesof suitable, child-safe materials are “laminated cotton fabric”, whichcomprises a high quality cotton sheeting material having a thin coatingof polyurethane (PU) film adhered to the right side of the fabric (sidefacing the infant in this case). Laminated cotton fabric is CPSIAcompliant, PVC-free, BPA-free, lead-free, has a slight sheen appearance,and is waterproof and easy to clean. Another child-safe, CPSIA-compliantmaterial is commonly known as “chalk cloth”, which is a PVC product,phthalates-free, lead-free. Its similar to “oilcloth” but isphthalates-free. Oilcloth is a layer of PVC film on top of a cottonmesh. The thickness of laminated cotton fabric ranges from about 0.5 mmto about 10 mm, more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm. ThePU layer thickness is from 10% to 100% of the thickness of the cottonmaterial, or a ratio of 1:10 to about 1:1 in thickness.

In certain embodiments, an anti-slip material may cover some or all therear or back side of the foam pad, or such anti-slip material may beadhered over all or portions of the non-removable, cleansable cover thatcovers the rear or back side of the foam. The anti-slip material may berubber, non-slip plastics, and the like, and may be adhered using aseparate adhesive or an adhesive that comes with the material, such asin house-hold shelf covering material. In certain embodiments, theanti-skid material may be laminated cotton similar to the laminatedcotton materials covering the rest of the foam pad, differing only byaddition of self-adhered anti-skid rubber or plastic buttons. Oneexample of this type of material is known as DRITZ brand Anti-SkidGripper Fabric, from Prym Consumer USA Inc., and available from HancockFabrics. This fabric is available in 11×24 inch (28×61 cm) pieces, andmay require two or more pieces to be stitched or otherwise heldtogether; for example, two pieces of this fabric may be sewn togetheralong the length of the fabric to form the entire back piece of thedevice. The entire bottom does not have to be the anti-skid fabric. Incertain embodiments, circles or strips of it could be used, adhered toanother fabric, however it is probably most cost-effective anduser-friendly to use the anti-skid, non-decorated fabric for the entirebottom piece since it does not have to be laminated as the top does. Incertain embodiments, the entire non-removable, cleansable cover may bemade out of the decorative laminated cotton fabric and little “anti-skidbubbles” adhered on the laminated cotton fabric on the back side.

The term “removable” in context of a “removable washable cover” meansthat the cover includes one or more features, such as zippers, buttons,hook and loop fasteners, and the like, allowing it to be separated fromthe compressible foam support pad and the non-removable, cleansablecover. The term “washable” or “machine-washable” means a fabric thatdoes not require dry-cleaning or other special care, other than simplecleaning in a residential or commercial laundry washing machine usingwater and common detergents, and optional stain removers (for examplebleach), and/or fresheners and/or softeners (for example fabricfreshening strips added to a drier, or liquids added to the washer).Examples of machine-washable fabrics designated as such by J&O Fabrics,Pennsauken, N.J. 08110 (U.S.A.), include, but are not limited to,flannel and most 100% cotton fabrics (some 100% cotton decorativedrapery fabrics and bark cloths are dry-clean only); broadcloth, fleece,twill, denim, poly-lin and poly-crepe, poly-satins such as mystiquesatin, l′amour satin and crepe-back satin; chiffon, georgette andorganza are washable if made from polyester; and acrylic-based fabrics,if they do not include rayon or other dry-clean only fibers. In certainembodiments the removable washable cover may be made of a cotton,flannel, minky, or other soft fabric that fits over the non-removable,cleanable cover with small openings for the straps to fit through andextending at least substantially over the entire front surface of thenon-removable, cleansable cover.

Certain embodiments may optionally comprise fastening elements allowingthe device to be releasably fastened to a permanent support, such as oneor more suction cups adhered to the back and/or sides of thenon-removable, cleansable cover, one or more auxiliary straps pendantfrom the compressible foam support pad, one or more hook and loopfasteners on the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more buckles onthe non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more clasps on thenon-removable, cleansable cover, one or more snaps on the non-removable,cleansable cover, one or more pins on the non-removable, cleansablecover, and one or more buttons on the non-removable, cleansable cover.Certain embodiments may comprise one or more auxiliary straps stitchedto the non-removable, cleansable cover, and/or to the harness, for thispurpose.

As mentioned, the harness, defined as the arrangement of waist straps,shoulder straps, length adjustment features on these straps, and theprimary fastener that connects the shoulder straps and waist belttogether in a one general location, and particularly in combination withthe compressible foam support pad and non-removable, cleansable cover,and optional corrugated or other cardboard, is a key feature of thechanging pads of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, thewaist and shoulder straps may comprise, for example, nylon cording,polyester webbing, and the like. In certain embodiments, the primaryfastener or connector (sometimes referred to as the waist buckle ormaster connector) may be specifically designed and manufactured withd-rings (loops) permanently attached to, or molded directly in, theprimary fastener.

A key feature of the changing pads of this disclosure is provision oflength adjustable shoulder straps of the harness. In certain embodimentsthis may be accomplished using length adjustment buckles. In otherembodiments this may be accomplished using two or more snaps, in yetother embodiments this may be accomplished using hook and loop fasteners(such as that known as VELCRO®). Each shoulder strap may have one, ormore than one shoulder strap length adjustment features, and one or moreof these may be located above or below, or hidden underneath optionalshoulder pads.

The shoulder straps need to be detachable from the waist strap, andremovable from the device, typically by pulling through the slots in thecover and foam pad. This is an important feature of the changing pads ofthe present disclosure because when used with an infant (or small sizechild or toddler), the consumer/caretaker might not want to use the someor all of the harness. As the child grows, utilization of the fullharness may become more pertinent. Therefore, in certain embodiments thelower ends of the shoulder straps clip or otherwise attach to or passthrough features on the primary fastener, or molded-in features internalto the primary fastener, such as as small bars that the strap ends maybe routed around and held to the primary connector. The shoulder strapsmay attach to the primary fastener/waist buckle using any configuration,as long as the arrangement of the harness allows it to be removed fromthe device. In preferred embodiments the lower ends of both shoulderstraps (or connectors to which they are attached) are detachable fromthe primary fastener.

Referring now to the drawing figures, FIG. 1 is a schematic perspectiveview, with some components partially in phantom, of one deviceembodiment 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. Embodiment 100includes a compressible foam support pad 22 covered with anon-removable, cleansable laminated cotton fabric having a front 4, arear or back 6, a top 8, a bottom 10, and first and second sides 12, 14.Back 6 is the same length and width as front surface 4, and top 8 andbottom 10 also have the same width as front 4 and back 6. Sides 12, 14have the same length as front 4 and back 6. A top rim or sill 16 isdefined by the uppermost edges of each of top 8, bottom 10, and sides12, 14. Embodiment 100 features sloping sides 2 forming a contoured orcurved front or bed surface 18 that is curved from sill 16 on side 12 toside 14 along the entire length of device embodiment 100. The degree ofcurvature may vary in a single pad and from device to device, but isevident in embodiment 100 by viewing the sill 16 formed by the top edgesof top 8 and bottom 10.

As evident in the partial cut-away in FIG. 1, embodiment 100 featuresfoam pad 22 covered by a non-removable, cleansable cover consisting of ahigh quality cotton sheeting 25 having a thin polyurethane or othersynthetic thermoplastic polymeric coating or film 20 thereon which makescotton sheeting 25 waterproof, or at least water resistant. An optionalcorrugated cardboard piece 27 (illustrated in dashed lines) may bepresent to provide a degree of stiffness to the device. This somewhatdepends on the compressibility and other properties of foam pad 22. Alow compressibility foam may not require any corrugated cardboard piece27, while a very compressible foam may require a stiff corrugatedcardboard piece. Non-removable, cleansable cover consists in thisembodiment of four separate pieces, with stitching 29 is forming seamsthere between. A large, single piece of laminated cotton fabric formsfront surface 4 and sides 12 and 14. Top piece 8 and bottom piece 10,also laminated cotton fabric, are stitched around their periphery onthree sides to the large single piece of laminated cotton fabric. To thelower edge of top and bottom pieces 8 and 10, back piece 6 is sewed.Back piece 6 is also sewed along the bottom edges of side pieces 12 and14. In certain embodiments, all or nearly all of seems 29 are hidden onthe inside of the device, as explained further herein.

Still referring to FIG. 1, embodiment 100 further includes a harnessdefined by a transverse strap 24 (sometimes referred to as a waiststrap), shoulder straps 26, 28, a primary coupling defined by couplingmembers 32, 34, 40, and 42, and strap length adjusting buckles 33, 25,36, and 38. Coupling members 32, 34 may be of the male/female type, thatis, one of coupling members 32, 34 has a male portion that releasablyinterlocks with a female portion in the other coupling member. Couplingmembers 40, 42 may releasably interlock with coupling members 32, 34 insimilar fashion. Adjustment members 33, 35 allow adjusting length ofwaist strap 24, while adjustment member 36 allows adjustment of lengthof shoulder strap 26, and adjustment member 38 allows adjustment oflength of shoulder strap 28. Shoulder strap adjustment members 35, 38are illustrated in phantom, as obscured from view by optional shoulderpads 44, 46. Upper ends of shoulder straps 26, 28 pass throughrespective slots 21, 23 in pad 22 and non-removable, cleansable cover 25and emerge outside of back surface 6, where they are anchored, as willbe explained. In embodiment 100, lower ends of shoulder straps 26, 28are embedded in plastic or other material of coupling members 40, 42.Coupling members 40, 42 include release mechanisms that are notillustrated for clarity. The release mechanisms may be one buttonrelease, but are preferably two-button or even three-button releasemechanisms, meaning that two or three points must be operatedsimultaneously to be child proof, or at least safer than one buttonreleases. Slots 21, 23 extend through front cover 4, foam pad 22,optional corrugated 27, and back cover 6. The non-removable covermaterial 4, 6 is preferably stitched around the periphery of slots 21,23 in order to strengthen them. The stitching in these areas does notattach the cover material 4, 6 to the foam pad 22, allowing thenon-removable, cleansable cover material 4 to drape over foam pad 22.

As noted herein, in embodiment 100 laminated cotton fabric 25 exists asone piece covering front side 18 and long sides 12 and 14. Top andbottom pieces 8, 10 are separate laminated cotton fabric pieces, andback piece 6 is a separate laminated cotton fabric piece, preferablywith anti-skid properties. This is the preferred construction. Thepieces are sewn together at seams 29. Foam pad 22 is inside fabricpieces 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 18 like a pillow case, except that fabric25 is sewn to back piece 6 along the back rectangle, and fabric 25 isalso sewn to top piece 8 and bottom piece 10. Backside material 6 inembodiment 100 is a anti-skid material (FIG. 6), like the material usedon the bottom of kids pajama feet.

One method of assembling embodiment 100 is as follows. We found that thelaminated cotton fabric is even more slippery than regular cottonfabric, so we prefer to use an anti-skid fabric for back surface 6.Preferably, none of the seams show on the final product. However, thefinal seem sewn does have to be sewn “from the front” since it iscovering the pad, and therefore may be visible. There would be no way toget the foam pad and optional corrugated cardboard into the cover if allof the seams were on the inside. First, top and bottom pieces 8, 10 aresewn to the large piece of fabric defining surfaces 12, 14, and 18, thenone side is completely sewn closed by sewing the bottom edge of one endpiece (either 8 or 10) to the anti-skid fabric piece 6 that will lay onthe surface of the changing area. This is all done with the fabricturned “wrong sides out.” Then the fabric is turned right sides out andyou have an opening on one side to push the foam pad 22 and any optionalcardboard stabilizing piece 27 through. Once foam pad 22 and anyoptional cardboard 27 are in, sew the remaining bottom of the end piece8 or 10 to bottom anti-skid piece 6. Therefore, on this one bottom side,the stitches will show. They are typically very small straight stitchesthough.

FIG. 2 is a schematic frontal or plan view of the embodiment in FIG. 1,with shoulder strap coupling members 40, 42, illustrated detached fromtheir respective mating coupling members 32, 34. The positionsillustrated in phantom illustrate their closed or latched position. Malemembers 52, 54 of coupling members 40, 42 are illustrated, as are seamsor flaps 45, 47 in optional shoulder pads 44, 46 where they may beremoved.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic right and left side elevation views,respectively, of embodiment 100, and FIG. 5 is a schematic back view ofembodiment 100, illustrating one embodiment of an anti-skid surface 6and how transverse or waist strap 24 encircles embodiment 100. Strap 24may be attached to sides 12, 14 and/or back 6, but preferably notpermanently, and even more preferably is not attached at all to foam pad22 or cover 25 so that may be removed therefrom. Also viewable in FIG. 5are shoulder straps 26, 28 which have been secured from being pulledthrough slots 21, 23 using anchors 56, 58, which may be for exampleadjustment members similar to adjustment members discussed herein.Alternatively the straps may be secured by folding back each strap afterpassing through the anchors and stitching each strap to itself. Otheranchoring systems may prove more convenient or less expensive.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic perspective views, partially in phantom,of two harness embodiments 200 and 300 illustrated separated from thecompressible foam support pad and non-removable cover in order toexplain certain harness features. Other harness embodiments will beapparent and deemed within the scope of this disclosure. Harnessembodiment 200 (FIG. 6A) includes a generally disc-shaped primaryfastener or connector 60, made of plastic, lightweight metal, orcombinations thereof. Transverse strap 24 in this embodiment includes afirst end 50 routed through primary fastener 60 and about a featureinternal of primary fastener 60, such as a metal bar 85 molded intoplastic primary fastener 60. End 50 then folds back on itself and isstitched to itself. The other end of transverse strap 24, illustrated at48 similar is routed into primary fastener 60, about a bar 84 internalof fastener 60, and folded back on itself and through an adjustmentbuckle 62. In similar fashion ends 64 and 72 of shoulder straps 26, 28are routed into and back out of primary fastener 60 and throughadjustment buckles 68, 76. Finally, upper ends 66, 74 of shoulder straps26, 28 are each routed through slots 21, 23 (FIG. 1) and then areanchored to back 6 of pad 22 using respective adjustment buckles 70, 78.

Harness embodiment 300 (FIG. 6B) is similar to harness embodiment 200illustrated in FIG. 6A, but differs in the follow ways. End 50 oftransverse strap 24 is secured via an adjustment buckle 80, and shoulderstrap ends 64, 72 are folded back on themselves and stitched to theirrespective shoulder straps 26, 28. Also, bars 82, 84 are slightly curvedallowing some adjustment other than length, while bars 85 are straight.Importantly, both harness embodiments 200 and 300 may be completelyremoved from compressible foam support pad 22 and non-removable,cleansable fabric 25. Embodiments such as 200 allow removable of theshoulder straps while using only the transverse strap.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic perspective views, partially exploded andpartially in phantom, of two other primary fastener embodiments 250 and350 that may be useful and are considered within the present disclosure.Primary fastener 60 of embodiment 250 illustrated in FIG. 7A includesfour female molded-in sockets 90, 92, 94, and 96, each designed toaccept a mating male coupling member 91, 93, 95, and 97. Thisarrangement allows transverse strap ends 50, 48 to be stitched totransverse strap 24. (Stitching is indicated by the dashed “X” in eachinstance.) In embodiment 350 illustrated in FIG. 7B, primary fastener 60includes molded-in ends 48 and 64 (as indicated by dashed lines 98),with sockets 92, 94 as in embodiment 250. This arrangement illuminatesstitching and two length adjustment members. Both embodiments 250, 350allow complete disassembly of the harness in each case; however,embodiment 350 maintains a more permanent connection of primary fastenerto at least one strap, possibly avoiding loss or misplacement of primaryfastener 60.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are schematic cross-sectional views of threeembodiments 360, 370, and 380, showing simply that anti-skid bubbles 30of the non-removable, cleansable cover 25 may completely cover the backsurface, as in embodiment 360 (FIG. 8A), or cover it in non-randompattern as in embodiment 370 (FIG. 8B), or in a random pattern as inembodiment 380 (FIG. 8C).

FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic perspective views, partially in phantom, oftwo other device embodiments in accordance with this disclosure.Embodiment 400 illustrated schematically in FIG. 9 includes not onlycontour 18 from side 12 to side 14, as in embodiment 100, but alsocontour 19 from top 8 and bottom 10. This is referred to in the art as afour-sided sill. Embodiment 500 illustrated schematically in FIG. 10 isidentical to embodiment 100, except that embodiment 500 includes slots21 and 213 for adjustment of length of strap 26, and slots 23 and 233for adjustment of length of strap 28. The harness is illustrated inphantom in FIG. 10, in order to clarify the position of the alternateslots. More slots may be used.

As noted, certain embodiments may not always use clips or buckles asillustrated schematically in FIG. 1, embodiment 100. As noted herein,certain embodiments, for example as illustrated schematically in FIG.6A, may include removable straps that do not include any clips or otherfasteners, making for less expense in production. In embodiment 200, thelower ends of the shoulder straps are routed through one or morepassages in the primary fastener/waist buckle, the passages being moldedor otherwise manufactured therein to have four internal bars that thestraps wrap around. The other end of the shoulder straps pass throughthe length adjustment buckles on each. These embodiments will allow forremoving the harness at one end at the length adjustment buckle and theother end at the adjustment buckles on the bottom of the pad. It ispreferred, although not absolutely required, that the shoulder pads beremovable, for example using hook and loop fasteners such as known asVELCRO®, or zippers, snaps, buttons, or other fasteners.

Compressible foam support pads suitable for use in the invention ofcourse require the function of compressibility, primarily for comfort ofthe child, but also so that the harness and any optional washable covermaybe removed. It is desired that the foam pad be inexpensive andavailable for purchase from retail brick and mortar and/or onlinestores, but more expensive compressible foams may be used. Preferablythe compressible foam pad is made of a foamed polymeric material, suchas foamed polystyrene, foamed polyurethane, foamed polyisocyanurate,foamed polyethylene, foamed rubbers, such as foamed polyvinylchloride/acrylonitrile butadiene (PVC/NBR) rubber, and the like. Thefoam may be a closed cell foam, open cell foam, or non-cellular foam.

One preferred compressible foam may be so-called flexible polyurethanefoams (FPFs), including regular, medium and high density versions. Highdensity FPF has a compression rate of 45 lbs. Higher density FPFs willremain responsive longer, and feature a balance of cushioning andstiffness. The higher density FPF known under the trade designation FirmQuality Foam, available from Murano Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., isavailable in various colors and sizes, for example 0.5 inch thick, 24inches wide, and 72 inches length, providing 0.5 inch of high densityfoam thickness, has a density of 1.8 pounds per cubic foot (pcf), 100%Recovery Rate, and is fire retardant. In the FPF industry, density andcompression indicate the softness and longevity of foam. In the flexiblefoam industry, COMPRESSION=FIRMNESS, and Compression (not density) iswhat determines firmness. Compression is measured and accorded an “ILD”number, where “ILD” means Indention Load Deflection. Compression meansthe number of pounds necessary to compress a piece of foam 25% and stillbounce back to the original thickness. For example, a 4-inch thick pieceof foam that requires 35 lbs. to pack it down 1 inch and have it returnto its full 4-inch thickness has a 35 lb. compression rating or ILD. ILDis also known as “IFD”, or indention force deflection. Many FPFretailers will cut to the size needed, or users may purchase the FPFuncut, and use a sharp carving knife or electric knife to cut to thedesired dimensions and/or contour. Medium density FPF has a compressionrate of 33 lbs., and a density of 1.4 pcf, is soft but still holds itsfirmness and support for an individual to sit on it without compressingthe foam too much. It has a 100% Recovery Rate, and may be purchased asFire Retardant. Regular density foam has a compression rate of 35 lbs.Regular (Low) Density FPF has density of 1.2 pcf, has %100 recovery, andmay be purchased fire retardant. It may be purchased in dimensions of1-inch thickness, 24 inches width, and 72 inches length, providing 1full inch of foam thickness.

According to the Polyurethane Foam Association (“PFA”), Loudon, Tenn.(U.S.A.), density is used to gauge the durability of FPFs. Generally,the higher the density, the more durable the FPF, and the more expensiveit is to produce. FPF is available in a broad variety of densities,ranging from as low as 0.8 pcf to as high as 6.0 pcf. But, mostupholstered furniture use FPF in the 0.9 pcf to 2.5 pcf density range.According to the PFA, density and firmness are not the same thing. Auser may select a low-density FPF that is firm or a high-density FPFthat is soft. So, if a FPF feels too firm, it does not necessarily meana lower-density FPF is needed. According to the PFA, “support factor” isanother measure that is commonly used to assess FPF performance.“Support factor” is sometimes called modulus, compression modulus, orcomfort factor. Support factor is essentially the relationship of thesurface feel of the FPF to its deep down support. The higher the supportfactor (which should range from about 1.8 to 2.6), the better theability of the FPF to provide support. In general, support factorincreases as density increases. And as density increases, price alsotends to increase.

Another useful measure according to the PFA for assessing FPFperformance is IFD, as explained above. Foam surface feel is expressedin terms of the IFD at 25 percent, 25 percent IFD, or IFD25. IFD25 isdetermined by measuring the pounds of force required to indent afour-inch-thick FPF sample 25 percent of its thickness (1 inch).Depending on the device design desired by a particular user, the IFD25spec may range from as low as 7 lbs. of force (IFD25) to as high as 45lbs. of force (IFD25). Given that the devices of the instant disclosureare to support infants, an IFD25 more toward the low end of the rangemay be desired.

Other commercial products, such as the materials known under the tradedesignations Ensolite® and OleTex®, both available from RBX Industries,Inc., Roanoke, Va., USA, may find use as compressible foam support pads.Products known under the trade designation Ensolite® are made in manyvarieties, but are all essentially variations of PVC/NBR foamed polymershaving maximum water absorption of 0.1 lb/ft² when tested using AmericanSociety of Testing Materials (ASTM) test D-1667. The products under theOleTex® product line are high-performance, closed cell polyolefin foams,chemically cross-linked using a patented, continuous processing method.The materials are closed cell and moisture proof. These products can bedie cut, heat-sealed, vacuum formed, and heat molded.

Strap materials and thread for seams may be natural, synthetic, orcombination thereof. Woven polyamide fabric is one preferred syntheticcarrier material, due to its strength and flexibility. Leather is apreferred natural material. The material of choice will depend on manyfactors, including the weight of the child, the type and size of thefoam pad, and the desires of the user.

Strap coupling members, also referred to in the art as strap fasteners,and hook and loop fasteners are common and require no furtherexplanation. One preferred hook and loop fastener is that known underthe trade designation Velcro®, available from Velcro USA, Manchester,N.H. Strap length adjustment members are sometimes referred to astri-glides, ladder locks and cinch locks for webbing straps, and areavailable from a variety of commercial sources. Three-point releasesafety buckles are available, for example from American Home & HabitatInc., Sealy, Tex. (AH & H Hardware), under the trade mark Cop-Lok®Specialized Safety Buckle.

As mentioned previously, the harness itself, without the compressiblefoam support pad, optional corrugated, and non-removable cover, isanother aspect of the disclosure since it is removable from the device,and therefore can be used with other pads, or the pads and non-removablecover used with other harnesses. For example, some users may wish tocustomized their harness for their child in any one or more ornamentalways, for example stitching the child's name or other decoration on astrap, or applying some other decorative feature (buttons, pins,stickers, and the like). The harness may be used in other private orpublic settings without the need for the user to transport the entiredevice in an auto, or on an airplane or train. The user simply removesthe harness from the device and transports the harness.

Although the foregoing description is intended to be representative ofembodiments that may be used, it is not intended to in any way limit thescope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An infant or toddler changing device comprising:a) a compressible foam support pad comprising a foam pad and anon-removable, cleansable cover, the cover forming a front surface, aback surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and two longer sidesurfaces of the device, the device having length and width sufficient tosupport infants of varying size as they grow; b) optionally a cardboardor corrugated cardboard layer positioned between the support pad and thecover back surface; and c) a harness removably secured to thecompressible foam support pad and cover, the harness comprising: i) aprimary coupling member; ii) a transverse strap having first and secondends; and iii) first and second shoulder straps, each having at leastone length adjustment feature; and wherein the transverse strap ispositioned around the compressible foam support pad and cover such thatits first and second ends are at least removably secured to the primarycoupling member, the transverse strap having at least one lengthadjustment member; and wherein each shoulder strap lower end is at leastremovably secured to the primary coupling member, and each shoulderstrap upper end is at least removably secured to the compressible foamsupport pad and cover
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the primarycoupling member comprises a first transverse coupling member comprisinga female socket releasably connectable with a mating male portion of asecond transverse coupling member.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein thecompressible foam support pad comprises foam selected from the groupconsisting of foamed polystyrene, foamed polyurethane, foamedpolyolefin, and a foamed mixture comprising polyvinyl chloride andacrylonitrile butadiene rubber.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein thenon-removable, cleansable cover is laminated cotton fabric.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the front surface of the compressible foamsupport pad is contoured to form a concave depression and a sill definedat least by a top edge of the two sides.
 6. The device of claim 1comprising fastening elements allowing the device to be releasablyfastened to a permanent support, the elements selected from the groupconsisting of one or more suction cups adhered to the back and/or sidesof the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more auxiliary strapspendant from the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more hook andloop fasteners on the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or morebuckles on the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more clasps onthe non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more snaps on thenon-removable, cleansable cover, one or more pins on the non-removable,cleansable cover, and one or more buttons on the non-removable,cleansable cover.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the foam of thecompressible foam support pad has an IFD25 ranging from 7 to 35 lbs. 8.The device of claim 1 wherein the back surface comprises an anti-skidmaterial.
 9. The device of claim 8 wherein the entire back surfacecomprises an anti-skid material.
 10. The device of claim 1 having one ormore slots in the compressible foam support pad and non-removable,cleansable cover for each of the shoulder straps to pass through.
 11. Aninfant or toddler changing device comprising: a) a compressible foamsupport pad comprising a foam pad and a non-removable, cleansable cover,the cover forming a front surface, a back surface, a top surface, abottom surface, and two longer side surfaces of the device, the devicehaving length and width sufficient to support infants of varying size asthey grow; b) optionally a cardboard or corrugated cardboard layerpositioned between the support pad and the cover back surface; and c) aharness removably secured to the compressible foam support pad andcover, the harness comprising: i) a molded or machined primary couplingmember having multiple sockets; ii) a transverse strap having first andsecond ends; and iii) first and second shoulder straps, each having atri-glide length adjustment member; and wherein the transverse strap ispositioned around the compressible foam support pad and cover such thatits first and second ends are removably secured to the primary couplingmember using male connectors fitting into two of the sockets, thetransverse strap having at least one tri-glide length adjustment member;wherein each shoulder strap lower end is removably secured to theprimary coupling member using male connectors fitting into two othersockets, and each shoulder strap upper end passes through respectiveslots in the compressible foam support pad and cover and anchored to theback of compressible foam support pad and cover, the compressible foamsupport pad and cover including at least one other slot for eachshoulder strap; and wherein the front surface of the compressible foamsupport pad is contoured to form a concave depression and a sill definedat least by a top edge of the two sides.
 12. An infant or toddlerchanging device comprising: a) a compressible foam support padcomprising a foam pad and a non-removable, cleansable cover, the coverforming a front surface, a back surface, a top surface, a bottomsurface, and two longer side surfaces of the device, the device havinglength and width sufficient to support infants of varying size as theygrow; b) optionally a cardboard or corrugated cardboard layer positionedbetween the support pad and the cover back surface; and c) a singletransverse strap having a first end threaded through a first transversecoupling member, the first end folded back on itself and secured toitself at a location adjacent the first end, the strap having a lengthallowing it to be positioned around the back surface of the support padand cover so that a second end of the strap is threaded through a secondtransverse coupling member and releasably attached thereto, the firstand second transverse coupling members being releasably connectable toform a transverse coupling, each of the first and second transversecoupling members further comprising a first shoulder strap couplingmember; and d) first and second shoulder straps each having an upper endreleasably connected to the support pad and cover at separate locationsaway from the side surfaces and each generally about two-thirds of thelength of the support measured from the bottom surface, and each of thefirst and second shoulder straps having lower ends releasablyconnectable to respective second shoulder strap coupling members, eachof the second shoulder strap coupling members releasably connectable toone of the first shoulder strap coupling members.
 13. The device ofclaim 12 wherein the first transverse coupling member comprises a femalesocket releasably connectable with a mating male portion of the secondtransverse coupling member.
 14. The device of claim 12 wherein thecompressible foam support pad comprises foam selected from the groupconsisting of foamed polystyrene, foamed polyurethane, foamedpolyolefin, and a foamed mixture comprising polyvinyl chloride andacrylonitrile butadiene rubber.
 15. The device of claim 1 wherein thenon-removable, cleansable cover is laminated cotton fabric.
 16. Thedevice of claim 12 wherein the front surface of the compressible foamsupport pad is contoured to form a concave depression and a sill definedat least by a top edge of the two sides.
 17. The device of claim 12comprising fastening elements allowing the device to be releasablyfastened to a permanent support, the elements selected from the groupconsisting of one or more suction cups adhered to the back and/or sidesof the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more auxiliary strapspendant from the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more hook andloop fasteners on the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or morebuckles on the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more clasps onthe non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more snaps on thenon-removable, cleansable cover, one or more pins on the non-removable,cleansable cover, and one or more buttons on the non-removable,cleansable cover.
 18. The device of claim 1 wherein the foam of thecompressible foam support pad has an IFD25 ranging from 7 to 35 lbs. 19.The device of claim 12 wherein the back surface comprises an anti-skidmaterial.
 20. The device of claim 19 wherein the entire back surfacecomprises an anti-skid material.
 21. A harness for use with an infant ortoddler changing pad, the harness comprising: i) a primary couplingmember; ii) a transverse strap having first and second ends; and iii)first and second shoulder straps, each having at least one lengthadjustment feature; and wherein the transverse strap first and secondends are at least removably secured to the primary coupling member, thetransverse strap having at least one length adjustment member; andwherein each shoulder strap lower end is at least removably secured tothe primary coupling member.
 22. The harness of claim 21 wherein eachshoulder strap upper end is at least removably securable to acompressible foam support pad of size sufficient to support an infant ortoddler.
 23. The harness of claim 21 wherein the transverse strap has alength sufficient to fit around a compressible foam support pad of sizesufficient to support an infant or toddler.
 24. The harness of claim 21wherein the primary coupling member comprises a molded or machinedmember having multiple sockets.
 25. The harness of claim 21 wherein thetransverse strap has at least one tri-glide length adjustment member.26. The harness of claim 21 wherein each shoulder strap has at least onetri-glide length adjustment member.